Are the Disney World resort hotels about to undergo a significant change in 2026?
It’s a moment every Disney vacationer knows well: scrolling through dozens of hotel room options, comparing views, locations, and confusing labels while trying to book the “perfect” stay. But soon, that maze of choices may look very different.
In a subtle yet significant shift, Disney has announced changes that will redefine how guests experience Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World — and it’s a change that’s left many fans asking: Why now, and what does it mean for future visits?
Disney World Resort Hotels 2026 Changes: A Simpler System… or Less Magic?
Disney has revealed that, starting in 2026, the room categories at its Moderate Resort hotels will be overhauled. Instead of the current detailed listings that focus on views — from garden vistas to water glimpses — room types will now be grouped into just three categories:
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Standard Room
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Preferred Room
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King Bed Room
That’s it. Gone are the elaborate names that hinted at the ambiance beyond your window. Now, the emphasis is on simplicity — and location — not aesthetics.
But is this really about streamlining, or is something deeper at play?
Which Resorts Are Affected?
This shift will impact all four of Walt Disney World’s Moderate Resorts:
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Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
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Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
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Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
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Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside
Interestingly, Disney noted that uniquely themed rooms — such as the Royal Guest Rooms at Port Orleans — Riverside — will remain available. These are popular among families and Disney history buffs alike, signaling that themed storytelling isn’t going anywhere… yet.
Why This Matters: Beyond Room Labels
On the surface, this appears to be a practical adjustment — a way for Disney to make the booking process more intuitive. After all, most guests prioritize location and bed type over whether their room overlooks a parking lot or a pond.
NEW: Disney announces early theme park entry, extended evening hours, and free water park admission on check-in day will return in 2026 for Disney Resort hotel Guests. Kids will receive a free dining plan (ages 3-9) when purchasing a dining plan as part of a package. – @DrewDisneyDude on X
NEW: Disney announces early theme park entry, extended evening hours, and free water park admission on check-in day will return in 2026 for Disney Resort hotel Guests. Kids will receive a free dining plan (ages 3-9) when purchasing a dining plan as part of a package. pic.twitter.com/zqCCZOPocO
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) April 21, 2025
But seasoned Disney-goers know that room categories often came with subtle perks. Rooms with better views were frequently closer to transportation or dining, making them more convenient — even if the view itself wasn’t your main concern. By removing these distinctions, it’s unclear how Disney will now differentiate value and proximity.
Could this be an early signal that room pricing may also shift to a more generalized model? And what will happen to guests who loved picking the perfect view for that morning coffee moment?
A Strategic Move for What’s Next?
Disney made this announcement around the same time it released 2026 vacation packages and ticket details, including a free dining plan for kids — a highly anticipated offering that’s often used to boost early bookings. The timing isn’t random. By unveiling the new room categories now, Disney is slowly preparing guests for the changing landscape of vacation planning at the parks.
In a post-pandemic world where flexibility, clarity, and accessibility are becoming priorities for travelers, Disney’s changes may reflect a larger corporate strategy: eliminating friction, simplifying decisions, and catering to newer, less experienced guests who don’t want to decipher 10+ room types just to plan their stay.
What’s Still Unclear
As of publication, Disney’s booking website has not yet implemented the new names, even though 2026 packages are now available for planning. This transition period may confuse guests attempting to plan well in advance, especially those comparing current room types with future listings.
And while we now know the categories, we don’t yet have clarity on how pricing will be adjusted, how this will impact room availability, or whether perks like proximity to the main pool or bus stops will be considered in the “Preferred” label.
The Bottom Line: A Shift in How We Vacation at Disney
Disney isn’t just changing labels — it’s quietly reshaping how its guests engage with its hotels. This shift reflects more than just a UX tweak; it shows that Disney is leaning into efficiency and clarity, potentially at the expense of some of the magic that made each resort feel tailor-made.
For some, this may be a welcome change that makes trip planning faster and easier. For others, it’s another sign that Disney is moving away from deeply personalized experiences — in favor of broader, more scalable models.
So, the next time you dream about that riverside view or that hidden garden nook, you might want to grab it while it still exists. Because come 2026, the way we book at Disney’s Moderate Resorts will never be quite the same again.
